Press Release:
November 27, 2001

November 27, 2001, San Francisco – Paul McConnell submitted over 3000 signatures in lieu of a filing fee last Wednesday to appear on the ballot facing Nancy Pelosi in the Democratic Primary next March. Mr. McConnell is Pelosi’s first Democratic primary challenger since 1994.

“Collecting signatures from San Francisco voters was an extraordinary experience. It shows how energized San Francisco can be when a real person reaches out to the neighborhood to talk about the issues. It reinforces that we can win this race against Pelosi,” said an enthusiastic McConnell.

McConnell added, “We went to every neighborhood at least once, from Visitation Valley to the Marina, from South Beach to the Richmond. I enjoyed talking to people in the coffee shops, bars, and parks. My most meaningful day was an afternoon while gathering signatures around Jones and Ellis. I was challenged by a gentleman who told me that politicians never came to his neighborhood. I told him why his vote mattered to me and listened to his questions and concerns. Not only did he sign but he gathered half dozen friends to sign as well. That’s what its all about.”

Said Perry Ruthven, who gathered signatures with Mr. McConnell, “The ground swell of support for Paul’s run at the grass roots level is amazing. With so many critical issues at stake, it is clear that San Franciscans are hungry for choice in the Democratic party.”

Paul McConnell will represent San Francisco by actively promoting a combination of advanced public policy and accountability. Through his experience as a business leader in manufacturing and as a consistent community leader, Paul McConnell can create positive change in transportation, education, energy and the economy -- where urgent change is needed.

For more information on Paul McConnell for Congress, please visit paulmcconnell2002.com.

Contact: Perry Ruthven
McConnell for Congress
PO Box 470494 San Francisco, CA 94147
Phone: 415-928-4902
Fax: 415-480-1301
pruthven@paulmcconnell2002

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